The ongoing strike led by the Nigeria Labour Congress in the Federal Capital Territory has entered its 11th day, with negotiations between the labour unions and Area Council Chairmen at a standstill. The dispute centers around the implementation timeline for the N70,000 minimum wage.
According to Abdullahi Kabir, FCT Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, the Area Council Chairmen proposed a January 2025 implementation date, which the unions rejected. The unions are demanding that the new wage commence in December 2024.
Kabir explained that delaying implementation to January would increase arrears to five months, whereas starting in December would reduce it to four months. He also highlighted other grievances, including the lack of peculiar allowances for local government workers, discrepancies in pay, and delays in implementing the 25% CONHESS and CONMESS allowances and wage awards.
The strike has brought activities in the FCT to a grinding halt, with residents feeling the pinch. The labour unions have vowed to continue the strike until their demands are met.
